Xbox Elite Series 3 prototype surfaces on Reddit

A Redditor has purchased what appears to be a genuine prototype of Microsoft's unreleased Xbox Elite Series 3 controller, posted detailed images and comments on the platform, then saw their account vanish and parts of the thread wiped.

A prototype controller was bought for $200 on OfferUp. The buyer, posting as ssuberlex, acquired the device locally in Seattle and shared photos showing a design that matches a leak from May. The controller features a small mono OLED screen between the bumpers displaying an aka.ms URL and an XCloud rocket ship graphic, four rear paddles, interchangeable D-pad, two scroll wheels, trigger locks, and a battery compartment labeled "PROTOTYPE NOT FOR SALE."

The device includes a slimmer travel case similar to prior Elite models and shows Torx T6 screws along with a QR code in the battery area, pointing to improved repairability. Comments from the original poster that remain live demonstrate the paddles and D-pad removed, with the D-pad using a simpler rocking design and the triggers becoming clicky at their shortest setting via rear adjusters.

The controller matches features from an earlier leak. Images align with those reported in May, including overall shape, trigger locks, rear paddle mounting, and battery bay. It also incorporates Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, a 3.5mm jack, a new pair button for local and cloud gaming modes, and a dedicated connection for cloud gaming previously tipped in that leak and seen in devices like the Amazon Luna Controller.

According to The Verge, Tom Warren's sources confirm the Elite Series 3 is still coming later this year. The screen has displayed a basic game in photos, and following versions of the aka.ms URL reportedly led to documents on the controller's use and cloud gaming connectivity.

The Reddit thread went dark after the initial post. The original poster's account mysteriously disappeared, and the thread was partially wiped, though some comments including those from ssuberlex remain accessible. IGN notes the controller does not pair with an Xbox or PC, showing only a red light, and that it may be an encrypted dev kit.

The prototype's advanced stage, complete with travel case and refined features, suggests development is well underway. Multiple outlets including PC Gamer, The Verge, and IGN have cross-checked the images against the May leak, establishing the visual and functional similarities without confirming every unverified claim from the thread.